The Amsterdam arrived to Callao at the earliest hour we have ever gotten into a port……3:30am. This was for all of the folks that were scheduled on an early flight out of Lima for the tour to Machu Picchu. Well, later in the day, we learned that the original flight had been cancelled by the airlines a while ago, and made at a much better time in the morning. However, the schedule had been set, and there was no changing the ship’s arrival time. In the end, all went well we heard.
We did not recognize the pier, since much of it has been updated. Gone are the rickety buildings that housed the souvenir stalls. There were tents set up, much the same as we saw in Salaverry. It is not a surprise that there were fewer vendors, because the security in the port area is very extreme. In many ports now, the docks are off limits to any sales people.
Today’s newsletter was full of info, geared to this part of the world. Traveler’s tips were suggested on the front page. Or should we say, warnings about pick pockets, vulnerable purses, wallets, and back packs. It was suggested not to wear flashy jewelry, of course, and be aware that anything is possible. This is a first….check any US$ change given back, because fake bills are in circulation. Makes us wonder why are we here? But then, this same advise will apply to just about anywhere we visit.
There are many things to see and do here in Lima, the capital of Peru, and we have done most of them. The highlights are a trip to colonial Lima, an hour’s drive from the pier. There you can visit Plaza de Armas, the main square, the government palace, city hall, the cathedral and the bronze fountain. Museums and churches are everywhere also. Still a good tour they offer is the Inca civilization and Pachacamac. It takes you out of Lima to see the ruined city in the desert dunes. The best part is the visit to a private hacienda where you see the paso horse show with a typical Peruvian lunch.
These tours are explained in much more detail these days in the brochure. They inform passengers of a more relaxed outing or a faster-paced one. If a lot of walking is involved, it is pointed out. Much better to be informed well before, than finding out during a tour.
There was a surprise waiting for many of us that decided to take advantage of the free shuttle bus today. Previously, we have always had a shuttle that took us to the Indian Market and/or Miraflores. Even a free bus ride to the Marriott Hotel was offered by the jewelers, Stern’s. That is gone, but we did think we would be transferred at least to the colonial square. Little did we know that Plaza San Miguel was not a plaza, but a modern shopping mall, about 7 miles from the pier. There must have been 100 people or more in the line to leave on the first bus. And believe us, the repeat guests will have an uprising for sure.
The one good thing was that the buses were nice ones, and some folks did not mind since they like malls. Some friends told us they got as far as the mall, then negotiated a taxi to take them elsewhere. That’s was another warning….the taxis. You had to be very careful who you got in a car with, or you might be taken for a different type of ride. There were plenty of fellows waiting for us all to get out of the bus to offer their services. And for that reason alone, many people stayed on the bus, and took it directly back to the ship.
As long as we were here, we took a stroll through the mall to get some exercise and see what was there. The information booth had no information. No maps of the shops, and no English. There were restaurants, and the most promising one was a Chilis, one of our favorite places where we live. But unfortunately, it was so new, it was not opened yet. Figures….. Now for the people that always seek free wifi, they had the opportunity here. The mall had some cafes and restaurants, but we decided to go back to the ship, and dine in the Lido again.
We did notice that several stores had back to school sales, and kids were everywhere in the mall on a Friday. Then we remembered that the seasons are opposite in the Southern Hemisphere. Winter at home in California is summer down here, south of the Equator. This is their summer vacation. Back to school should begin in a few weeks.
It was actually nice being on the ship without any crowds. Good chance to work on photos and have salads and sandwiches in the Lido. While in our room, the sky became darker, but not with clouds. There had to be a gazillion birds over the water, in the air, swirling in flight…. like in the movie “The Birds”. The ships in the bay were stirring the water up, probably presenting a buffet of sea food for these birds. The only place we have seen similar activity had to be while in the harbor of Cape Town last year.
Later in the day, we went to check out the stalls on the pier. They were selling the same things that were in Salaverry, and truthfully, we already have the llama sweaters, ponchos, wall hangings, pillows, llama fur teddy bear, woven purses, and native beaded jewelry. No, we don’t need more.
We did consider buying the transfer to the Indian Market for tomorrow, then walk to Miraflores from there and back. It would have cost $60 for both of us, but would we have time to do it all in 3½ hours? The ship will be leaving after 6pm, and we sure don’t want to chance missing the bus ride back from the market. So we changed our minds.
There was a Churrasco Steak Dinner served in the Lido tonight. This is the replacement for the deck BBQ that we used to have. The only difference this evening was that the waiters wore ponchos and leather hats, and the overhead lights had been changed to red. Since there was a tour at 7:30pm to see the light show in downtown Lima, many folks were gone from the ship.
Barb was waiting for us in the dining room, and as always, we had a relaxed meal with our fun waiters. Sometimes the waiters will go out in town when we are staying overnight. Thank goodness, our waiters are smart enough not to go out of the gates here. Slam had a friend who got attacked some years back, and was lucky to get back to the ship dressed only in his underwear. Robbed and roughed up. No kidding.
There was a folkloric show at 9:30pm tonight. It was almost over when we left the dining room. We are sure we have seen it more than once.
Bill & Mary Ann
